Biker survives crash thanks to doctors at roadside

Another road user had swiftly called the emergency services and paramedics arrived at the scene within five minutes. They were followed by an ambulance and doctor who worked together to stop the bleeding and keep the motorcyclist alive

A biker who almost died in a horrific accident is on the mend thanks to quick-thinking medics who helped save his life at the roadside.

Leigh Gould, 40, from Market Bosworth, spent nine days in an induced coma after he was flung from his motorbike on Soar Valley Way near Fosse Park on June 20 following a collision with the kerb and central reservation barrier.

Fortunately another road user who witnessed the crash had swiftly called the emergency services and paramedics arrived at the scene within five minutes. They were followed by an ambulance and doctor who worked together to stop the bleeding and keep Leigh alive.

The father-of-three suffered extensive injuries including a cracked skull, punctured lung, fractured ribs, two broken arms and a broken leg along with cuts and bruises all over.

Leigh’s father, Norman Gould, has spoke out about the moment he and his wife Brenda received the news. He said: “There was a knock on the door at about 11pm and as soon as I saw the police on the step I knew it was serious.

“They told us Leigh had been in a bad accident and that it was life threatening. Hearing that is like your world has fallen apart.”

Leigh was rushed to hospital where it was discovered he had lost four pints of blood. He underwent around 25 hours of surgery over those next few days and was put into an induced coma to aid his recovery.

Mr Gould, 67, continued: “It was nine days until Leigh woke up.

“We knew he was awake when we walked into the hospital. I could see him moving his head and I said to Brenda ‘he’s awake he’s awake!’ He was able to talk and look at us and it was just fantastic. He had colour back in his face.

“He was still very groggy though because of all the drugs - I told him people at Glastonbury would pay for the drugs he was on!”

Doctors expect Leigh will remain in intensive care for about a month and after that he will require extensive physiotherapy.

Mr Gould said: “Leigh will have lots of aches and pains and he may have a limp. He has got lots more treatment yet and lots and lots of physiotherapy to undergo.”

Leigh, who is Norman and Brenda’s only child, has been passionate about bikes since he was younger and began riding when he was 17.

Mr Gould said: “I have never worried about him going out on his bike because he is a sensible lad.

“Something went wrong that day - he was on a dual carriageway not a sharp corner. It’s just one of those things.”

Speaking about the treatment Leigh received at the roadside, Mr Gould added: “We want to say thank you. Without their quick response we would have lost our son - he would have died.

“I have told Leigh he is a lucky lad and that without the doctor’s intervention we would have lost him.”

A spokesman for East Midlands Ambulance Service said of the accident: “We received a call at 9.25pm on June 20 to Soar Valley Way reporting a motorcyclist who had come off his bike.

“We sent a fast response vehicle who arrived on scene within five minutes of the call being made. A double crewed ambulance was also sent to the emergency and support was given by voluntary Dr Matt Woods from East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme.”